NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and National Basketball Players Association Executive Director Michele Roberts, with varyingdegrees of admonishment, also took Trump to task for his incendiary remarks. Now, NBA team owners, executives and coaches are lining up in support of the athletes who Trump condemned over the weekend. Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan was perhaps most vocal of that bunch:

“One of the fundamental rights this country is founded on was freedom of speech, and we have a long tradition of nonviolent, peaceful protest,” Jordan said in a statement responding to the Charlotte Observer’s request for comment. Those who exercise the right to peacefully express themselves should not be demonized or ostracized.

“At a time of increasing divisiveness and hate in this country, we should be looking for ways to work together and support each other and not create more division.

“I support Commissioner Adam Silver, the NBA, its players and all those who wish to exercise their right to free speech.”

The Warriors still plan to celebrate “equality, diversity and inclusion” when they visit Washington, D.C., to play the Wizards on Feb. 28, and the city’s mayor will welcome the reigning champs with open arms: